Tribute Program

Making a memorial or tribute gift is a thoughtful way of honoring your loved ones that will leave a lasting imprint on the Arboretum. We offer a range of giving options, including tribute benches and trees, as well as general donations. Each of these options is described below in further detail. All tribute gifts are acknowledged in our member magazine, the Arboretum Update.

If you would like to make an online donation click on the "Donate Now" button and in the comments section please note who the donation is in tribute of as well as who to notify of the gift.

For additional information of our tribute giving options, please call us at (937) 277-4839 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tribute Benches ($2,500)

Pay tribute to a loved one with a bench. Each bench is adorned with a commemorative plaque engraved according to the donor's specifications. Sites available for bench placement are determined by Cox Arboretum MetroPark management. Items are endowed for a ten-year period. During this endowed time, the item and plaque will be maintained by staff. At the end of the 10 years, the donor will be notified and given the option to re-endow the tribute at $2,500. If the donor chooses not to renew, the plaque will be removed and given to the donor.

Tribute Trees ($2,500)

Honor a loved one with a tree located at the Arboretum. Choose from established trees that are designated as Tribute Trees. A commemorative plaque engraved according to the donor's specifications will be placed at the base of the tree. Trees are endowed for a ten-year period. During this endowed time, the tree will be maintained by staff. Unforeseen circumstances may impact any given specimen, and if necessary, staff will make arrangements to replace the tree with another species. Each tree will be accessioned into our collections database and identified as an endowed tree. The tree will bear an accession tag with its unique identifying number and a separate information label and metal plate with the honoree's name.

***Tribute trees and benches must be left as is, no personal decorations or mementos may be added***

Tribute Funds

You may choose to set up a tribute fund in honor of a loved one to which others can contribute. We are happy to provide you with contribution envelopes that you can distribute at a memorial service or other commemorative event.

General Honor and Tribute Gifts

Honor a special person in your life by making a general donation to the Cox Arboretum Foundation. This option is a perfect way to commemorate a wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, retirement or other special events. Celebrate the life and legacy of a loved one, and we will send an acknowledgment of your gift to you as well as to the honoree or designated contact person.